Maayke Hunfeld

18 Chapter 1 Figure 2. Factors associated with outcome PICU= Pediatric Intensive Care Unit; ROSC= Return of spontaneous circulation Aims and outline of this thesis Background In 2012, a standardized multidisciplinary follow-up program including pediatric OHCA survivors was set up in our PICU as standard of care. Children and their parents/ caregivers are invited to our outpatient clinic 3-6, 12 and 24 months after the event and subsequently, dependent on the age at time of arrest, at the ages of 5, 8, 12 and 17 years. During these visits a pediatric neurologist and pediatric intensivist interview these children and their parents/caregivers in a semi-structured way. Both physical and neurological exam are performed, as well as extended neuropsychological assessments by a pediatric psychologist using validated instruments on different domains.The primary goal of this follow-up program is patient care. However, data are also used for research purposes with the ultimate goal to improve outcome of critically ill children.